2018 Chateauneuf du Pape
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Tasting notes
Deep, bright-rimmed ruby. High-pitched, mineral- and smoke-tinged red and dark berry and potpourri scents are complemented by notes of licorice and baking spices. Silky and open-knit, offering sweet raspberry, cherry, and lavender pastille flavors that show fine delineation and tighten up steadily with air. Shows solid, spicy thrust and energetic lift on the impressively long finish, which is given shape by harmonious tannins.
Critic scores
Average Score
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
This estate always makes a traditionally styled wine and their 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape is no exception, revealing a medium ruby/purple color as well as spicy, gamey notes of red and black currants, smoked game, peppery garrigue, and new saddle leather. Medium to full-bodied, with terrific elegance (which is the vintage), a gorgeous texture, and outstanding length, this is classic, old-school Châteauneuf du Pape done clean, balanced, and brilliantly! It’s going to evolve nicely for 15 years or more.
A rich, mouthfilling effort, Vieux Donjon's 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape is concentrated and velvety, showing plenty of power and weight. Ripe cherries and raspberries are dusted with clove and star anise, then joined by hints of leather and cocoa on the long, intense finish. This is a beautiful Vieux Donjon that should drink well for more than a decade.
Tank sample. Tasted blind. Dark fruit with good purity and concentration, and well-integrated olive bitterness on the finish. There's an almost saline savouriness to this. Moderate length. (RH)
About the producer
Product details
Grenache/ Garnacha , Syrah / Shiraz, Mourvedre/Monastrell/Mataro, Cinsault
Red
Dry